Caring for the Lost: A Call to Christian Compassion
As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, not just in word, but in deed. This profound responsibility is more than just a suggestion—it is a command. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the need for true Christian care and compassion has never been greater. But let’s be honest, caring for others is hard. It’s inconvenient, messy, and time-consuming. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we must remember that caring is one of the most valuable things we can do, especially when it comes to sharing the gospel.
The Responsibility of Sharing the Gospel
The Bible is clear: we are responsible and accountable for sharing the gospel with the lost. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are called ambassadors for Christ, through whom God makes His appeal to the world. We are the chosen vessels to deliver His message of salvation. God could have shouted the gospel from the heavens, but He chose to send us.
Ezekiel 33:7-9 offers a sobering reminder of this responsibility. If we fail to warn others of their sinful ways and the consequences that await, their blood will be on our hands. However, if we faithfully deliver God’s message and they choose not to listen, we have done our part. This reinforces the fact that our role in caring for the lost is not optional—it is imperative. We are watchmen, tasked with the responsibility of leading people to Christ so that they can be reconciled with God.
The Reality of Hell
We don’t often talk about it, but there is a very real hell, and some will not make it to heaven because we failed to share the gospel with them. Jesus was very serious about the consequences of hell. In Mark 9:43, He says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.”
Hell is not just a figurative concept; it is a literal place of eternal separation from God. As Christians, we cannot afford to be complacent about this. We must have a sense of urgency to reach the lost before it’s too late. Caring for others is not just about helping them in this life; it’s about leading them to eternal life with God.
The Call to Compassion
One of the first steps in caring for the lost is showing compassion. This is not easy, especially in a world where we often resent or judge those who are lost. But Jesus showed compassion to everyone He encountered, even when they were far from deserving it. Matthew 9:36 tells us that when Jesus saw the crowds, “He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Compassion begins with understanding the condition of the lost. They are blind to the truth and have no eternal hope. As Christ’s ambassadors, we must model His compassion by showing mercy and grace to those who do not know Him. Compassion is not optional—it is at the heart of caring for others.
Connection: Building Bridges to the Lost
Caring for the lost also requires connection. This can be uncomfortable, as it often means building relationships with people who don’t share our values, politics, or worldview. Yet, Jesus didn’t shy away from connecting with the lost. He ate with tax collectors, spoke with Samaritans, and healed the sick. His mission was clear: He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
We, too, must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to connect with those who need Jesus. This may require sitting down with someone we don’t like or engaging with those who are different from us. But connection is essential if we are to effectively share the gospel. We cannot be separate from the world in a way that isolates us from the very people we are called to reach.
Creativity in Caring
Caring for the lost often takes creativity. It’s not always easy to find ways to bring up the gospel in conversation, and sometimes we need to think outside the box to reach people. Jesus was incredibly creative in how He taught the truth, using parables, miracles, and even provocative language to engage His audience.
In the same way, we must be willing to use our creativity to find new ways to share the gospel. This might mean taking someone to dinner, helping them with a project, or simply showing up where they are. Whatever it takes, we must be willing to do it for the sake of the gospel.
Continual Care
Caring for the lost is not a one-time event. It is a continual process of praying, sharing, and showing up. Too often, we do something nice for someone and then move on, but real care requires consistency. Just as Jesus never leaves or forsakes us, we are called to continually care for those around us.
The world will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35). This love is not just a feeling—it is an action. It is the daily choice to show up, to pray, to share, and to care, even when it’s inconvenient. The world needs to see that we are different, that we are light in the darkness, and that we care deeply for them.
Conclusion
As we reflect on our responsibility as Christians, let’s remember that we are called to be watchmen, ambassadors, and messengers of the gospel. We are tasked with caring for the lost, showing them the love of Christ, and leading them to the truth of salvation. Let’s not shy away from this responsibility, but instead, embrace it with compassion, connection, creativity, and continual care. The world needs the light of Christ, and we are the ones called to carry it.
So, who are you sharing the gospel with today? Who are you praying for, caring for, and connecting with? Let’s commit ourselves to being all that God has called us to be, for the sake of the lost and for the glory of His name.